PLACERVILLE, CA - I had an hour to kill this afternoon before going to an evening event in my hometown, so I took the long way into Placerville from Shingle Springs via Pleasant Valley Road and Newtown Road. Big puffy clouds and fresh green pastures dominate the drive.

Stopped in the community of Pleasant Valley to take these pics. If curvy country roads and old barns are your thing– this is a good road tour for you. These old oaks are huge and were more than likely around when the first gold miners showed up back in the 1800′s. If trees could talk…